title: Mechanical circulatory support for the visually impaired: is it appropriate?
abstract: Long-term mechanical circulatory support devices, especially left ventricular assist devices, are being increasingly utilized in the management of end-stage heart failure either as bridge to heart transplantation, recovery or as destination therapy. However, current technology for controllers and alarm systems for left ventricular assist devices does not permit their implantation in eligible patients with visual impairment. We report two patients in whom the decrease in visual acuity was a significant factor in determining eligibility for long-term mechanical circulatory support.
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University Medical Center, N816 North Doan Hall, 410 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Yazhini
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ravi
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Firstenberg
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Crestanello
authors.forename: Chittoor B Sai
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Sudhakar
mesh_terms: D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities